"All Things Considered" will do a story on The Villages, today, March 31

[Boomer]

I just heard on NPR that "All Things Considered" will have a story about The Villages today. That's all I know about it. Could be that Leisureville guy for all I know. I just checked the site and there is no mention of it there yet, but I just heard about it on the radio.

Most NPR stories can be heard within a few hours of their broadcast by going to npr.org and finding the show in the programs list and listening whenever you want to.

Anyway, I just thought some of you might be interested in this. I will link it in here later if it is available.

Boomer

[bkcunningham1]

Boomer, I found a little teaser on NPR: Universal Studios' entertainment specialists have created a booming town center for retirees. A look at "The Villages", Wednesday on NPR's All Things Considered.

[Army Guy]

Let us know what they say!

Army Guy

[champion6]

I didn't hear the radio show on NPR, but I found an article on the NPR website.

www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125389925

[TednRobin]

Just heard the NPR story on TV on my way home from work here in Pennsylvania, not bad, makes me want to be there all the more. They did mention Leisureville but didn't dwell on it. I think it was very fair, they did mention the differences in the local government and some of the issues. I heard TV's music and my eyes glaze over.

[Pturner]

Didn't dwell on Leisureville, but quoted the book's author. Did dwell on developer owning "everything". It stated that Gary Morse would not accept requests for interview. Sometimes, I do wish he'd open up a little.

Boomer, thanks for the post.

[Ohiogirl]

I heard it driving home from a baseball game (OSU beat Toledo 4-3 - Go Bucks). Fairly balanced, I thought, but perhaps the Morse family has been burned in the past and just declines to be ambushed or misquoted.

One error I caught - said kids only welcome for 3 weeks, when we all know it is 30 days per year.

Thought there was a very nice quick interview with the president of the POA, who said that 90% of things are "great", not just good, in TV. Just working on improving or correcting the other 10%. I read the POA's monthly newsletter online and find that since the current president was elected, has become a more moderate publication which I find to be a good thing - seems to me that's a better way to approach things and keep everyone working toward the same goal

Overall, I thought it was very favorable to our new hometown. I thought the theme was that it is continuing to grow in the midst of housing crises everywhere else. Might have been wrong on the # of closings, don't know for sure. They interviewed an employee at the Sales Center and she said there were 22 closings on that one day (whatever day she was being interviewed). Seems like a lot, but maybe not. That wouldn't count resales on the MLS.

[Boomer]

I didn't hear the radio show on NPR, but I found an article on the NPR website.

www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125389925

Thanks for getting the link, champion6. I heard it in the car and didn't think the audio link would be on this soon.

For those who are interested, just click on "Listen to the Story" on the upper left side of the page, and you can hear it, as well as read it here.

National coverage. Drive-Time even. I bet it sells a few houses. And they seemed to try to cover things fairly.

Boomer

[Hawkwind]

The link directly to the NPR broadcast.

http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=125389925&m=125420205

[collie1228]

I thought the report was even handed, even light in tone. They seemed fixated on the fake waterfront and made-up Disneyesque history, but again, it was handled in a light-hearted manner. Clearly, the author of Leisureville is still trying to get in his licks, but apparently the citizens of The Villages are pretty happy, despite his criticisms.

[jojo]

Have you read the comments? All but one very negative about The Villages - fixated on the Stepford Wives syndrome. We should respond!

[DickY]

Here is a link to the NPR broadcast done yesterday on "All things considered"

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2

[judynlee]

Frankly, I thought the tone of the show was a bit smirky so not surprised if comments were negative. They somehow made us sound like a bunch of silly sheep. They could have emphasized how this place keeps us healthy and active in mind and body instead of honing in on the "Disneyish" aspects.

[Army Guy]

Is this not Stepford? On our trip down our neighbor came out with her dress, heel, pearls, and gingham apron and offered us a fresh baked apple pie...............

Army Guy

[Army Guy]

Just listened to it! I thought it was GREAT! Sitting here in my office in Alabama and knowing we are leaving in the morning for another weekend at TV, I got goose bumps with the song!
ok, yeah, guess when I drank th KA, I overdrank, but I totally love TV.

Army Guy

[graciegirl]

Have you read the comments? All but one very negative about The Villages - fixated on the Stepford Wives syndrome. We should respond!

JoJo

I can't get the "comments" to open. My computer is acting up.

I am saying that if the comments are from seniors, then they are jealous they don't live here.
And if the comments are from kids, then they are jealous they don't live here too, ditto those in between.

[Indy-Guy]

NPR stated that one person in the home has to be 55 or older at time of purchase. Not correct.

Because of federal regulations to prevent age discrimination in communities where federal loans (FHA, VA) are often provided for mortgages, up to 20% of the housing units must be kept available for people under 55, even though it can be billed as an "over 55 age community. Thus age discrimination is avoided at the high end. Thus, age 55 communities can require that no person under the age of 19 live in that community.

[BobKat1]

Clearly over 55 communities are not for everyone. We have several friends our age that are just not interested for a variety of reasons. For those that like them, they are great. Much like everything else I guess.

One of our friends who just retired mentioned above, recently stayed in a nice home in a Robson (Saddlebrook?) community in AZ, and after actually experiencing the lifestyle, their attitudes are changing and they are now interested.

With age comes wisdom!

[ohiogolf]

I also thought it was an even-handed and informative. I was glad that they did not play the "STD capital of the world" junk.

[Boomer]

Clearly over 55 communities are not for everyone. We have several friends our age that are just not interested for a variety of reasons. For those that like them, they are great. Much like everything else I guess.

One of our friends who just retired mentioned above, recently stayed in a nice home in a Robson (Saddlebrook?) community in AZ, and after actually experiencing the lifestyle, their attitudes are changing and they are now interested.

With age comes wisdom!

Aw BobKat,

Those are kind words. But I just gotta tellya, for this ol' boomer, I think it has been a matter of just figuring out that it's time to cut to the chase.

Boomer :smiley:

[Army Guy]

Everytime I listen I learn something new.

Army Guy